Iridium, Lynk warn spectrum access is tightening for satellite services

Iridium and Lynk said spectrum access for satellite services is becoming harder amid outdated regulatory rules and growing sovereignty concerns, according to comments reported by Fierce Network. Iridium CTO Greg Pelton said spectrum challenges are “not going to come easier,” highlighting pressure on satellite operators seeking access to radio frequencies.

The report said the pressure comes from a tightening spectrum environment and from governments asserting greater control over how satellite services operate within national borders. The source excerpt did not provide specific countries, frequency bands, dates, or new licensing measures, but it identified sovereignty and regulation as the main constraints raised by Iridium and Lynk.

The issue matters for the eSIM sector because satellite connectivity is increasingly linked to mobile services, including direct-to-device models that can involve mobile network operators (MNOs, operators that own and run cellular networks), eSIM-capable devices, and remote provisioning frameworks. Spectrum policy and national licensing rules can affect how satellite providers, mobile operators, and device makers deploy cross-border connectivity services.